Queens, NY… The Boys and Girls Club of Metro Queens (BGCMQ) is pleased to announce that, through the leadership of NYC Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito and the NYC Council, funding for the elementary school summer and school year programs has been secured. BGCMQ is delighted to receive $420,000 in funding to support 200 low-income families from one of the most diverse areas within the City. With this funding, approximately 200 elementary school children will partake in educational and enrichment programs designed to help young people achieve academic success by providing tools and high-yield learning activities and encouraging members to become self-directed learners. The summer and after school programs are those that the community has come to rely on for the 58 years BGCMQ has been rooted in the community, is now capable of running again.

Carol Simon, BGCMQ’s Executive Director, stated “we would like to thank Speaker Mark-Viverito and the City Council for all their support in helping us provide our children with needed programs and a safe community.”

“…A safe and free place for their children to go after school

[and for the summer]…” said David Kupechy, BGCMQ’s Associate Executive Director. “For some families this means…providing them a place for their children to learn and grow while they are at work [and] being able to put food on the table.”

BGCMQ provides a host of educational, social and community services to more than 900 children ranging from kindergarten through 12th grade in Queens, Brooklyn, and the surrounding areas. The mission of the BGCMQ is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need it most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens. With a facility located in the heart of one of the most diverse communities in the world, the BGCMQ understands the importance of recognizing and celebrating all of our different backgrounds. Programs through the BGCMQ promote tolerance and confidence, as well as, provide those they serve with the information they need to make smart decisions in their everyday lives.

Here’s video from our rally on Jun 10th, urging the city council to address the issue: